Asperger Syndrome Treatment in Santa Ana, CA

Asperger Syndrome (also called Asperger's Syndrome) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People with Asperger syndrome are considered “high functioning” on the autism spectrum. This just means that along a spectrum there can be a wide range of conditions ranging from mild to very severe. Asperger's falls in the mild range.

Most people with Asperger's have trouble socializing and usually have a specific set of interests or repetitive behaviors. It's normal for children with Asperger Syndrome to have coordination difficulties—they are often clumsy and may have poor motor skills. They may also have trouble reading nonverbal communication such as a frown or smile and reacting appropriately.

Causes of Asperger Syndrome

Scientists are not sure what causes Asperger Syndrome. They continue to study it, but believe that biological and psychological triggers may be involved.

Diagnosing Asperger Syndrome

Most cases of Asperger Syndrome are not diagnosed until an adult or child begins to show behaviors which disrupt home, work, or school life. Most of the time, a diagnosis is made after a patient's struggles in social settings becomes apparent. For example, many adults are diagnosed when seeking help for anxiety or depression.

Many times, children with Asperger's are mistakenly labeled with ADHD until it is clear that the real issue is trouble socializing, not focusing.

Proper diagnosis may mean seeing a child development specialist or if you are an adult, a psychiatrist. However, your primary care provider should be your starting place. He or she will need to do a thorough physical examination and gather information about yours or your child's developmental history. If you are an adult, try to gather information about your birth and childhood from your parents, grandparents or a caregiver if you can. It's okay if you don't know this information.

If your primary provider doesn't find any physical reason for your symptoms, he or she may refer you to a specialist for additional testing. This may include evaluations of:

IQ

Motor skills

Personality

Speech patterns

Vocabulary

Understanding nonverbal cues

Other mental health conditions like anxiety or depression

For children, your provider may want to observe your child in school or social settings to see how he or she interacts with others. All of this information can help make the diagnosis.

Treatment for Asperger Syndrome

The focus of treatment for Asperger's is to help children and adults improve their ability to socialize and interact with others in a healthy way. Because every patient will have their own unique set of symptoms and severity, no two treatment plans will be the same.

Your healthcare team should customize treatment to your or your child's needs.

Treatment for Asperger Syndrome in Children

Your child may respond well to programs offered in his or her school. If you are unsure what is available where you live, call your school guidance counselor. Customized learning systems and adjustments in the classroom can improve some symptoms as can behavioral therapy, sensory integration therapy, and more.

Treatment for Asperger Syndrome in Adults

There is no one medication used to treat Asperger syndrome. However, underlying issues including anxiety, depression, social anxiety, and bipolar disorders can be treated.

In addition, you may respond well to a variety of therapies. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a good way to learn to control impulses, emotions and behavior. Sensory integration therapy and brain training techniques may also be beneficial. Ask your healthcare provider or mental health professional for more information.